Monday, July 9, 2012

Loss and Home



Heavenly Father,

You cling to me when I let go. You look tenderly at me with those eyes that see all my years. Your love burns away what I don't need. You teach me how to breathe again. You are always and will always be there for me.


You tell me, "Do not fear. Moments will make you feel afraid, but let love guide you back to solid ground. Do not grieve for too long at tragedies. If you still have breath, there is joy left for you. Do not be pained by selfish cares. Give something away and you will realize a new hope."

This is my hope: That I always come home. That I give God a real chance to hold my heart. I will stop clinging to people, my own strengths, ideas, and crutches. I will ask for a new glimpse of what life should be. People will inevitably let me down, strength with wane with time, and my ideas of a perfect life will burn away in the light of truth one day.

Bottom line: every profession and personality has its limits, its high points, and its downfalls. The most put together looking, could be the most lonely. The most beautiful might feel ugly at heart. The most vocal might fail to listen. The smartest can lack wisdom. Anyone can be lost and undone. It doesn't take much to loose focus in this life and end up somewhere completely unknown.

Be strong, look to Him, and carry on.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

New Living Translation (NLT)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

Hebrews 12:1
New Living Translation (NLT)
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.